Amidst criticism for moving a draft of the Maharashtra Protection of Internal Security Act (MPISA), allegedly bringing a gathering of 100 or more people under police scrutiny, the State government on Wednesday clarified that no democratic rights of citizens will be suppressed under the new law.
“We want to assure that no rights of citizens will be challenged by this law. This is only a draft of the Act and we have put it out to seek suggestions and objections from people. Once we receive them in three weeks, we will consider them, and the final version will be prepared,” said K.P. Bakshi, Additional Chief Secretary (Home), at a press conference at Mantralaya.
The Act has proposed setting up of special security zones (SSZs) where movement of arms, explosives and inflow of unaccounted funds will be prohibited. The government had on Saturday made public the draft MPISA, 2016, defining critical infrastructure sectors, and bringing nuclear reactors, dams, major projects and coastal areas under its ambit.
The Act has clearly defined the SSZs as having a separate police infrastructure. The zones will have a command and control system, and a separate standard operating procedure will be followed by the SSZ police.
The Opposition has called it a draconian law, which is a manifestation of the government’s failure to control law and order. “Under the pretext of security, the law is an attempt to muzzle democratic protests. We will not let this Act pass and demand that the draft be withdrawn immediately,” said Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil, Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly.
Interestingly, Mr. Bakshi accepted at the press conference that the draft wasn’t shown to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis prior to uploading on the government website and opening it up for scrutiny. Citizens, who wish to share their suggestions and objections, can visit maharashtra.gov.in
Report on Zakir Naik sent to DelhiMeanwhile, the State has sent a 71-page report on preacher Dr. Zakir Naik to the Centre. The report in Marathi was received from the Mumbai Police Commissioner three days ago, which was then translated, and sent to Delhi.
